Is Rehab Really Necessary?

And How to Find the Right Rehab, if it is Necessary

By Julie Myers, PsyD, MSCP

It is my opinion that most people with substance abuse or dependency issues can recover with outpatient treatment from a licensed mental health professional or with the support of self-help groups. However, in some cases, a Residential Treatment Center (RTC) may be necessary.

A licensed mental health professional, such as a psychologist certified in addiction treatment, can formulate an individualized treatment program equal to or better than many programs offered by “rehabs”. A psychologist can provide individualized care to help identify behaviors and emotions that drive substance-using behaviors and can treat any underlying mental health conditions that likely exist. Competent professionals can formulate an integrated, comprehensive program, which can include psychotherapy and referrals to psychiatric care, self-help meetings, group therapy, sober living homes, and other alternative treatments modalities. The notion that everyone with substance abuse problems needs residential treatment is as unreasonable as stating that everyone with depression needs hospitalization.

Although outpatient treatment is preferable and sufficient for most people, there are those who may need a higher-level of care than outpatient treatment can provide. In particular, some people may need a more restrictive environment, where there is no access to drugs or alcohol. Sometimes, when a person is actively using and can’t stop, a Residential Treatment Center can provide the respite that a person needs from their access to drugs or alcohol. They may also be indicated for those with severe forms of co-occurring psychiatric disorders that have not been adequately stabilized.

However, RTCs can vary greatly in their quality and level of care. Some offer comprehensive, “gold standard” care, with evidence-based practice from qualified treatment professionals. Others may offer little more than restrictive use of substances. So the question becomes, how does one choose a Residential Treatment Center? It may be difficult to determine which is the best RTC for themselves or their loved-ones, because they may not know the right questions to ask, and because many RTCs may be vague about what their programs include.

It would be helpful to have a set of key questions that someone seeking treatment could ask of the RTC about their program. Recently, Dr. Donald Meichenbaum shared a letter with me, which he drafted for those seeking residential care. This letter can be sent to the Director of an RTC that a person is considering. This letter asks questions about the RTC’s program, questions that can help the consumer make an informed decision about that facility. I have reposted his letter on my website, which you can find at http://www.DrJulieMyers.com. I believe that this letter can help guide the consumer to find a residential treatment center that is right for them, should they need that level of care.

2 Responses

Thank you for putting the various categories of addiction treatment into a practical and understandable perspective. Dr. Meichenbaum’s Guidelines for Choosing a Residential Treatment Center (RTC) is a marvelous resource. His guidelines are both practical and thorough. They empower addicts and their families to accurately assess the quality of RTC’s.